Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , brands itself as a fashionable, contemporary hangout, but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may appear inviting from the outside , what I encountered behind its doors was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .
The State of Affairs: Squalid and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I walked in , it was apparent that hygiene was not a priority at this establishment . The floors were sticky , and a overpowering stench of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms filled the entire pub. Reeking of a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and illness . The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and litter that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — spilling over , with a cracked flush mechanism and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Going through other patrons’ reviews and chatting with the community, it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this so-called establishment is a long-standing review mastersons bar issue . Many guests have reported witnessing here insects darting across the serving surface and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are utterly disgraceful and raise serious concerns about the integrity of their products .
Unprofessional Behavior: Accusations of Unethical Conduct
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing executive at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the corporate world is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I became aware of how distressed several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was appalled to find numerous complaints against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women accusing him of sending indecent material . Described as disturbingly assertive and inappropriate , his actions has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
Complicity or Powerlessness?: Involved or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen overseeing the bar . Rather than addressing the issue to mitigate the damage website done by her husband’s actions, she seems to accept his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a chilling layer to the already poisoned setting at the establishment.